2006 Infiniti G35 Problems: 8 Known Issues

On the 2005-2007 Infiniti G35, the wire harness linking the belt tension sensor to the occupant detection sensor control unit under the front passenger seat is subject to relative movement as the seat is adjusted and as occupants shift. Over time that movement wears and oxidizes the terminals, interrupting the signal. With the signal lost the system cannot confirm occupant status and the airbag may not deploy in a crash. NHTSA campaign 10V175000 covers 2005-2007 G35 sedans built March 29, 2004 through August 25, 2006 and G35 coupes built April 1, 2004 through May 30, 2007. The recall began July 12, 2010.

On the 2003-2007 Infiniti G35, the electronic steering wheel lock mechanism can malfunction, preventing the car from starting or causing intermittent no-start conditions. The steering lock actuator motor fails internally, triggering a security fault.

On the 2003-2006 Infiniti G35, the rubber fuel filler hose that runs from the filler neck to the tank can crack with age and exposure, letting raw fuel escape during refueling. Because the leak occurs at the pump with the nozzle running, any ignition source nearby creates a fire risk. NHTSA campaign 05V555000 covers the defect across a group of Nissan and Infiniti passenger cars and SUVs; the Infiniti portion of the recall began March 13, 2006.

On the 2006-2008 Infiniti G35, the dashboard topper material breaks down under sustained sun and heat, going soft and tacky to the touch before developing shiny patches, cracks, and chipping — typically first around the defroster vents and the instrument binnacle. Beyond the cosmetic damage the degraded surface becomes reflective, throwing glare onto the windshield that can be severe enough to obscure the driver's forward view in low sun. The defect is well documented across 2006-2008 G35 and M35 and 2008-2009 G37 vehicles and was the subject of class-action litigation against Nissan. Notably, Nissan extended warranty coverage for melting dashboards on some vehicles but did not do so for these G35, M35, and G37 models, so most owners face this as an out-of-pocket repair.

On the 2003-2007 Infiniti G35, the VQ35DE engine in the G35 is known to consume excessive oil, sometimes burning 1 quart every 1,000-2,000 miles. This is typically caused by worn valve stem seals and piston rings that allow oil to enter the combustion chamber.

On the 2006-2007 Infiniti G35, certain G35 headlamp assemblies do not meet the vertical gradient and headlamp photometric value requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108. In practice the beam cutoff is poorly defined and light output falls outside the required pattern, so the roadway is inadequately lit and oncoming drivers may be glared. NHTSA campaign 06V394000 covers the defect, with the recall expected to begin on or about April 16, 2007. The remedy is replacement of the headlamp assemblies, not an aim adjustment.

On the 2003-2008 Infiniti G35, the sunroof tray is designed to collect water and route it through four drain tubes running down the A- and C-pillars. Debris packs the drain nipples at the corners of the tray, the tray overflows, and water spills into the headliner and down the pillars into the cabin. Owners find soaked front or rear floor carpet, water dripping from the headliner or map light area, and a persistent musty smell. Because the water tracks down the pillars it reaches wiring and body modules, which is why this shows up as electrical symptoms — including door lock actuators cycling on their own — rather than as an obvious leak. It is the single most common source of interior water intrusion on this chassis.

On the 2003-2007 Infiniti G35, the power window regulators in the G35 are prone to failure, causing windows to fall into the door or operate slowly. The plastic guide clips and cable mechanism wear out, especially in hot climates.